About First Book Canada

First Book Canada believes a child’s education is their way out of poverty.

Equal Access to Quality Education

First Book Canada’s mission is to transform the lives of children in need by improving access to educational opportunities. Through a market-driven model, First Book Canada is creating equal access to quality education — making everything from brand-new, high-quality books and educational resources, to winter coats, backpacks, and more – affordable to its member network of more than 7,000 educators who exclusively serve kids in need.

First Book Canada members work in classrooms, after school and summer or early childhood programs, shelters and health clinics, libraries, community programs, and other settings serving a majority of children in need.

Since 2009, First Book Canada has distributed more than 6 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families in Canada. First Book Canada currently reaches hundreds of thousands of children every year.

Honours & Awards

First Book Canada’s sound financial model, and its commitment to social sector collaboration, impact and enterprise has been widely recognized by leading organizations

Under the leadership of Executive Director Tom Best, First Book Canada has become a champion of educational equality, a recognized leader in social enterprise, and home to the largest and fastest growing network of educators serving children in need across the United States and Canada.

First Book Canada believes a child’s education is their way out of poverty. We work with educators and partners to identify and remove the barriers to learning and resources, creating equal access to quality education and transforming the lives of kids in need.